Chromatographic column terminator element and assembly

Abstract

A porous sintered metal chromatographic column terminator element is disclosed comprising a relatively low density central disc portion, an integral relatively high density rim portion peripherally circumscribing the central portion and an interface zone that integrally joins the rim and central portions. The relatively flat faces of the rim and central portions are essentially coplanar but are separated and delineated by a channel at the surface of the interface zone intermediate said coplanar faces. The integral porous element exhibits a permeability ratio between the central disc portion and the rim portion of at least 3:1. Additionally, the central portion exhibits a density up to about 70 percent of the density of solid material of the same composition while the density of the rim portion is greater than that of the central portion and is up to about 95 percent of that of solid material of the same composition. The outer rim of the element provides an excellent seal with the packed tube of the chromatographic column to prevent side leakage. At the same time the element achieves improved efficiency of the chromatographic column.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.